The Canton Township Board of Trustees recorded a series of actions at its Jan. 14, 2025 meeting. Key outcomes include a closed-session consultation under the Open Meetings Act statute for litigation strategy, approval of an attorney settlement recommendation in pending litigation, contract awards for elevator repair and environmental assessment work, approval to apply for special liquor licenses for township events, multiple appointments and reappointments to boards, and the previously noted authorization to distribute the draft master plan for public comment.

Votes and formal actions recorded at the meeting (summaries):

- Closed session for litigation consultation (MCL 15.268EE): Motion to enter closed session "to consult with our attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation, Battistone versus Canton Township" was moved by Trustee Berninski and supported by Trustee Foster; the board voted by roll call and entered closed session.

- Attorney settlement recommendation (case: Christopher Battistone v. Canton Township Fire Department): The board approved a motion to accept the attorney's settlement recommendation and "authorize the township supervisor to sign all the necessary documents to effectuate the recommendation." The motion was made by Clerk Seeger and supported by Trustee Berninski; members voted in favor by voice vote.

- Distribution of draft master plan (G1): The board authorized distribution of the draft comprehensive master plan for a 63-day public comment period (Jan. 15–March 19, 2025). Motion made by Clerk Seeger; supported by Trustee Foster; approved by voice vote. (See separate article for details.)

- Otis Elevator contract for administrative freight elevator power-unit replacement (G2): The board approved a purchase order and contract with Otis Elevator in the amount of $38,000 to replace the power unit on the administrative building freight elevator due to safety deficiencies. Motion moved by Clerk Seeger and supported by Treasurer Slavens; approved by voice vote.

- MLCC special liquor-license applications (G3): The board authorized staff to apply to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and approved the sale and consumption of alcohol at nine scheduled 2025 community fundraising events (list of events included in the staff report). Motion made by Clerk Seeger; supported by Treasurer Slavens; approved by voice vote.

- Fishbeck environmental assessment scope expansion for Fire Station No. 4 (G4): The board approved expanding Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber Inc.'s scope of work and a purchase order not to exceed $20,000 to include environmental assessment of an adjacent parcel to the west of the fire station site; funding for the fire station project is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Motion moved by Clerk Seeger; supported by Trustee Berninski; approved by voice vote.

- Contract and appointments (Tax Board of Review): The board approved reappointments of Elizabeth Manuel, Ethan Petzold, Hossein Malad and Syed Jaffray and the appointment of Susan Kopinski to the Canton Tax Board of Review for two-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2026. Motion made by Clerk Seeger; supported by Treasurer Slavens; approved by voice vote.

- Consent calendar (C1–C7): The board approved a consent calendar including roadway winter maintenance agreement with Wayne County (9.28 miles / 18.21 lane miles for 2024–25 winter season), second reading amendment to the zoning code appendix for nonconforming lots, 2025 Youth Advisory Council meeting dates, annual software and maintenance agreements (Vertosoft/OpenGov Asset Management, CityView, CivicPlus), and actuarial valuation of the retiree healthcare plan. Motion made by Clerk Seeger; supported by Trustee Bornitsky; approved by voice vote.

Motions were typically approved by voice vote with "aye" recorded; detailed roll-call tallies were not recorded in the public transcript for most items except the closed-session motion, which used a roll call. Where the transcript contains only a voice approval, the minutes reflect that the motion passed.

Ending: For items that authorize contracts or expenditure limits, staff indicated required budget amendments and purchase orders will follow. Several items referenced further steps (e.g., environmental review tied to HUD funding and subsequent ordinance drafting tied to the master plan).